Living in the UK and culture shock

Electricity

British electricity works on 230 volts/50 cycles and most socket take 13 amp square pin fused plugs. Make sure your electrical equipment can be used safely at this voltage. Adaptors can be purchased in the campus shops, or don’t forget to pack a few in your luggage.

Drinking water

All British tap water is safe to drink unless it is labelled ‘not for drinking’. Do not use water from the hot water tap for making hot drinks. You should instead boil a kettle or use a microwave.

Driving in the UK

Very few students have cars, and there is limited parking on campus. It is easy to move around Exeter, Truro, Penryn and their surrounding areas using public transport. Before buying a car, please consider all the costs involved – petrol, insurance and licence (both compulsory), MOT (certificate to prove your car is roadworthy), tax, repairs, etc. It is your responsibility to research the driving laws in the UK and comply. If you are caught without a licence, insurance, MOT and/or tax it can affect your visa status and you will be strictly punished by the police. Please contact SID exeter.ac.uk/ sid or info.penryn@exeter.ac.uk if you are thinking of buying a car or bringing one to campus.

Bicycles

Cycling is a healthy, cheap and convenient way to travel to and from our campuses. You can buy a low cost second-hand bike from a series of events organised by the Sustainability Team, who also sell discounted cycle lights and locks. There are plenty of cycle parking facilities on the campuses, to lock your bike and students in Exeter can take advantage of free cycle safety checkups at monthly Dr Bike events. In Cornwall you can join the Bicycle Users Group (BUG). A range of safe cycling information is available on the cycling web pages. Exeter: exeter.ac.uk/ sustainability/travel/bike

Cornwall: fxplus.ac.uk/campusnavigation/travel-andtransport/cycling

Staying safe

Exeter and Cornwall are relatively safe places but by taking on board some simple crime prevention advice you can help to prevent becoming a victim of crime:

• Register any valuable property at immobilise.com free of charge.

• Keep your windows and doors shut and locked when you leave your property.

• International students are often targets for telephone and internet scams. The Police recommend you purchase a new SIM card on arrival in the UK. For more information on scams and what to do exeter.ac.uk/students/ international/livingintheuk/ fraudtricksandscams

• Don’t leave your valuables on view.

• If you have an alarm use it.

• Does your house look secure? If the answer is no speak to your landlord.

• Don’t make yourself an easy target – walk and travel in groups at night and swap telephone numbers.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit streets and avoid shortcuts after dark.

• Use cash machines during the day or get cash-back in a supermarket. Never write down your PIN number.

• If you are concerned about a situation or feel unsafe go into the nearest shop and ask the assistant for help.

Culture shock

Many international students experience culture shock when they arrive in the UK. The language, clothes, food and behaviour may seem strange compared to what you are used to at home. The rules of academic and social life may be quite different from what you expected. You may have thought you knew a lot about Britain before you came but now find it hard to settle.